House Concurrent Resolution 70

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PANTHERS BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM ON A SUCCESSFUL SEASON AND WINNING THE AMATEUR ATHLETIC UNION 2004 DIVISION II NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jackson Panthers Boys Basketball Team, formerly the Jackson Dream Team, formed by Coach LeMond Roy, finished the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) 2004 season with a remarkable record of 25 wins and only 6 losses; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers won the 15U/9th grade AAU Boys 2004 Division II National Championship by defeating the Maryland Panthers with a score of 57-43; and

WHEREAS, showcasing immense talent, the Panthers have brought great honor and pride to the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi by securing this national title; and

WHEREAS, having their humble beginnings in the Lanier High School gymnasium in April 2004, the Panthers embarked upon their quest to lay claim to the national title and bring it back home to Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, having participated in several local and state tournaments and competitions, the Panthers faced many well contended teams, equally yoked in skill, execution and determination, such as the Clinton Wolf Pack, the Jackson Tigers and the Memphis Elite among others, to invigorate and renew their determination to acquire national recognition; and

WHEREAS, having adopted "Stay Focused" as the team's motto, the Panthers set out on July 10, 2004, destination New Orleans, Louisiana, to accomplish their goal through a week-long series of tournaments, often playing two games per day; and

WHEREAS, on July 17, 2004, the final day of tournament play, the Jackson Panthers found themselves paired off with the Maryland Panthers in a battle for the national title in a 32-minute game of hard fought basketball, which ultimately proved victorious for the Jackson Panthers; and

WHEREAS, the members of the 2004 Jackson Panthers Team include: Nicholas Walker, Joshua Moore, Terrance Bailey, Ryan White, Biko Paris, Justin Davis, DeMorris Summers, Randall White, Alex "Scottie" Haralson, Mitchell Hampton, Daryl Arnold, Tommie "Red" Mabry, James Burkes, Cedric Hall, Brittany Bailey (manager) and Chokwe Lumumba (general manager); and

WHEREAS, the Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired this season by Head Coach LeMond Roy, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players, managers and their coach and bring great honor to the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Mississippi Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson Panthers AAU 15U/9th grade Boys Basketball Team, their managers and their coach for an outstanding 2004 season, for winning the AAU 2004 Division II National Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach LeMond Roy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.